NSN Cycling Team announced one of the biggest signings in its history Friday, securing Ecuadorian cycling star Richard Carapaz on a three-year contract beginning in 2027. The 33-year-old Olympic champion and former Giro d'Italia winner will join the team through 2029, bringing world-class climbing ability and extensive experience at the highest level of professional cycling.
Carapaz has recorded 26 victories during his career, including overall victory at the 2019 Giro d'Italia and the gold medal in the road race at the Tokyo Olympics. He has also finished on the podium in all three of cycling's Grand Tours: the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.
Richard Carapaz
(Photo: Courtesy)
The Ecuadorian demonstrated that he remains among the world's elite cyclists during the 2026 season, winning two stages of the Tour de France and claiming the polka-dot jersey as the race's King of the Mountains. He also secured a podium finish at the Clásica de San Sebastián.
His arrival represents a major statement of intent from NSN, which is assembling an ambitious roster capable of challenging for victories in Grand Tours and other major international races.
"This is a major signing and an important milestone in our team's development," NSN general manager Kjell Carlström said. "Richard is a proven champion, but beyond his extraordinary achievements, what sets him apart is his character, determination and passion for racing. We believe some of his greatest performances are still ahead of him. He will be a key leader for us, both in major races and for the younger generation of riders on the team."
Carapaz expressed similar enthusiasm about joining NSN and taking on a leadership role. "I'm very excited to join NSN and become one of the team's leaders," he said. "It reminds me of the excitement I felt when I signed my first professional contract. I still have that same motivation. From our very first conversations, I knew this was the right place for me. The team has great ambitions and enormous potential, and I'm convinced we can achieve great things together."
Carapaz is the most prominent addition so far to NSN's roster for the 2027 season. He joins a series of significant signings, including climbers Santiago Buitrago and Lennert van Eetvelt, as well as Kasper Asgreen, Artem Shmidt and Cedric Beullens.
With the addition of the Olympic champion, NSN has made clear its ambition to establish itself as a major contender for the biggest victories in professional cycling.